Face Mask With Straw Accommodation Opening

ABSTRACT

A face mask includes a body portion having a weakening seam. The weakening seam bounds a punch out portion. The punch out portion has a diameter that is slightly smaller than a diameter of a predetermined straw. The weakening seam is configured to part from the body portion of the face mask so as to remove the punch out portion and leave an opening. Accordingly a straw may be inserted into the opening, as the outer diameter of the straw is in contact with an inner annular edge of the weakening seam so as maintain the filtering qualities of the face mask.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a protective face cover having a removable portion configured to leave an opening suitable for a tight fit engagement with a straw.

BACKGROUND

Face masks have been widely used in the past to protect the respiratory system from particulate or chemical agents. These protective face covers are designed to minimize the transmission of contagious diseases or to protect the respiratory system from toxic substances or allergens in the surrounding atmosphere. The face masks are generally configured for a single use.

However, the face mask must be removed when the wearer wishes to eat or drink. However, the user may not want to remove the mask and subject themselves to the transmission of contagious diseases, toxic substances, allergens or the like, Modular attachments have been incorporated into a face mask to allow for an insertion of a straw. However, such modular attachments add costs.

Accordingly, it remains desirable to have a face mask which may be designated for a single use which is configured to receive a straw in a tight-fit engagement without adding the costs associated with a modular attachment.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure a face mask made of a first material. The face mask includes a weakening seam. The weakening seam is annular and has a width extending along a radius of the weakening seam and a thickness as defined by a thickness of the face mask. The weakening seam bounds a punch out portion of the face mask. The punch out portion of the face mask is made of the first material. The punch out portion has a diameter that is slightly smaller than a diameter of a straw. The weakening seam is configured to part from the face mask so as to remove the punch out portion and leave an opening. Accordingly a straw may be inserted into the opening, as the outer diameter of the straw is in contact with the inner annular edge of the weakening seam so as maintain the filtering qualities of the face mask.

In one aspect of the disclosure, the face mask includes a first weakening seam, a second weakening seam, a first punch out portion and a second punch out portion. The first weakening seam is concentric to the first punch out portion. The first weakening seam and the first punch out portion are disposed on the second punch out portion and the second weakening portion is concentric to the second punch out portion. In such an aspect, the user may accommodate straws of different diameters.

In yet another aspect of the face mask, the weakening seam is generally C shaped, so as to define a neck portion. The neck portion is contiguous with the punch out portion. Accordingly, the punch out portion remains attached to the face mask when removed from the weakening seam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined herein. The following description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustratively depicting a face mask according to a first embodiment described herein.

FIG. 2A is a view of FIG. 1 showing the opening formed by the removal of the punch out portion.

FIG. 2B is a view of FIG. 2A showing a straw disposed within the opening.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustratively depicting a face mask according to a first embodiment described herein having a pair of punch out portions.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustratively depicting a face mask according to a second embodiment described herein.

FIG. 4B is a view of FIG. 4A showing a first opening formed by the removal of the first punch out portion.

FIG. 4C is a view of FIG. 4B showing a straw disposed in the first opening.

FIG. 4D is a view of the face mask shown in FIG. 4A showing the second opening formed by the removal of the second punch out portion.

FIG. 4E is a view of FIG. 4D showing a straw disposed in the second opening.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view illustratively depicting a face mask according to a third embodiment described herein.

FIG. 5B is a view of FIG. 5A showing the punch out portion removed from the weakening seam so as to form an opening.

FIG. 5C is a view of FIG. 5B showing a straw disposed in the opening.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Implementations herein are directed toward a face mask configured to accommodate a straw without adding manufacturing costs. The face mask a body portion having a weakening seam. The weakening seam bounds a punch out portion of the face mask. The punch out portion has a diameter that is slightly smaller than a diameter of a predetermined straw. The weakening seam is configured to part from the body portion of the face mask so as to remove the punch out portion and leave an opening. Accordingly a straw may be inserted into the opening, as the outer diameter of the straw is in contact with an inner annular edge of the weakening seam so as maintain the filtering qualities of the face mask.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a face mask 10 according to a first embodiment is provided. The body portion 10 a of the face mask 10 is made of a first material 20. The first material 20 is formed of a breathable material configured to filter air borne particles having a predetermined size so as to minimize the transmission of contagious diseases or to protect the respiratory system from toxic substances or allergens in the surrounding atmosphere. Any such material currently known or later developed may be adaptable for use herein, illustratively including a meltblown nonwoven polypropylene fabric having a particle filtration efficiency greater than 95% at 0.3 micron or a bacterial filtration efficiency greater than 99%.

The face mask 10 is configured to cover the mouth and nose of a user. For illustrative purposes, the face mask 10 is shown as having a pleats 22 so as to facilitate the expansion of the face mask 10 over the chin and nose of the user. However, it should be appreciated that the face mask 10 may be formed without the pleats, or that other features such as a fold may be incorporated therein without deviating from the scope of the appended claims.

A fastening means 24 may be sealed to the face mask 10 so as to secure the face mask 10 to the user. In once aspect, the fastening means 24 includes two pair of ties, each pair of ties is disposed on each side of the face mask 10. The ties are configured to be tied together on the back of the user's head. In another aspect, the fastening means 24 is a pair of loops, each of the pair of loops is preferably formed of an elastic material and configured to be placed over each eat f the user so as to secure the face mask 10 to the user's face.

For illustrative purposes the weakening seam 12 is shown offset from a center of the face mask 10 and disposed on the face mask 10 in an area where a user's lips may be. The weakening seam 12 is annular and has a width “W” extending along a radius of the weakening seam 12 and a thickness as defined by a thickness of the face mask 10. In one aspect, the width of the weakening seam 12 is uniform and is approximately 1-3 millimeters wide. Preferably, the weakening seam 12 is formed by using a mold subject to ultrasonic frequencies operating between 20 kHz to 5 Mhz. The thickness of the weakening seam 12 is less than the thickness of the face mask 10.

The weakening seam 12 bounds the punch out portion 14 of the face mask 10. The punch out portion 14 of the face mask 10 is made of the first material 20. The punch out portion 14 has a diameter that is slightly smaller than a diameter of a predetermined straw 100 a, 100 b (shown in FIGS. 2B, 4C and 4E). The weakening seam 12 is configured to part from the face mask 10 so as to remove the punch out portion 14 and leave the opening 16. Accordingly the predetermined straw 100 a, 100 b (shown in FIGS. 2B, 4C and 4E) may be inserted into the opening 16, as the outer diameter of the straw is in contact with the inner annular edge 18 of the weakening seam 12 so as maintain the filtering qualities of the face mask 10.

With reference now to FIG. 2A, a depiction of the face mask 10 with the punch out portion 14 removed from the face mask 10 is provided. The opening 16 is bound by the inner annular edge 18 of the weakening seam 12. Thus, the fibers of the face mask 10 surrounding the opening 16 is not frayed. The opening has a diameter “D1”. FIG. 2B depicts a straw 100 a being inserted into the opening 16. The straw 100 a has a diameter “D2” which is slightly greater than diameter D1 of the opening 16. Accordingly, the straw 100 a is inserted into the opening 16 and the inner annular edge 18 of the weakening seam 12 contacts the outer surface of the straw so as to maintain the functionality of the face mask 10.

With reference now to FIG. 3, the face mask 10 may include more than one weakening seam 12 and corresponding punch out portion 14. In particular, the face mask 10 includes a pair of weakening seams 12 and corresponding punch out portion 14, each are on opposite sides of the face mask 10 and offset from a center of the face mask 10. FIG. 3 shows an aspect where the weakening seams 12 and the corresponding punch out portions 14 may be different in diameter, respectively D1 and D2, so as to accommodate straws of different diameters. However, it should be appreciated that the weakening seams 12 and corresponding punch out portion 14 may be of similar dimension.

With reference now to FIGS. 4A-4E, a second embodiment of the face mask 10 is provided. In the second embodiment, the face mask 10 includes a first weakening seam 12 a, a second weakening seam 12 b, a first punch out portion 14 a and a second punch out portion 14 b. The first weakening seam 12 a is concentric to the first punch out portion 14 a. The first weakening seam 12 a and the first punch out portion 14 a are disposed on the second punch out portion 14 b and the second weakening seam 12 b is concentric to the second punch out portion 14 b. In such an aspect, the user may accommodate straws 100 a, 100 b of different diameters.

FIG. 4A shows the first punch out portion 14 a and the second punch out portion 14 b in place. FIG. 4B shows the first punch out portion 14 a removed, leaving the first weakening seam 12 a, second punch out portion 14 b and second weakening seam 12 b in place and a first opening 16 a bound by the inner annular edge 18 a of the first weakening seam 12 a. The first opening 16 has a diameter “D1”. FIG. 4C shows a straw 100 a disposed in the first opening 16 a. The straw 100 a has a diameter “D2” that is slightly larger than the diameter D1 of the first opening 16 a. The straw 100 a is inserted into the first opening 16 a and the inner annular edge 18 of the first weakening seam 12 a contacts the outer surface of the straw 100 a so as to maintain the functionality of the face mask 10.

FIG. 4D show the second punch out portion 14 b removed. It should be appreciated that the second punch out portion 14 b may be removed with the first punch out portion 14 a and the first weakening seam 12 a as a whole. Alternatively, the first punch out portion 14 a may be removed followed by the second punch out portion 14 b. The removal of the second punch out portion 14 b leaves a second opening 16 b. The second opening 16 b has a diameter “D3”.

FIG. 4E shows a straw 100 b disposed in the first opening 16 a. The straw 100 b has a diameter “D4” that is slightly larger than the diameter D3 of the second opening 16 b. The straw 100 b is inserted into the second opening 16 b and the inner annular edge 18 of the second weakening seam 12 b contacts the outer surface of the straw 100 b so as to maintain the functionality of the face mask 10.

With reference now to FIGS. 5A-5C, a third embodiment of the face mask 10 is provided. The weakening seam 12 is not continuous and may be generally C-shaped so as to form a neck portion 26. The neck portion 26 is contiguous with the punch out portion 14. Accordingly, when the punch out portion 14 is separated from the weakening seam 12, the punch out portion 14 remains attached to the body portion 10 a of the face mask 10.

FIG. 5A shows the punch out portion 14 intact. FIG. 5B shows the punch out portion 14 separated from the weakening seam 12 so as to leave an opening 16. The punch out portion 14 is folded about the neck portion 26 so as to rest on top of the body portion 10 a of the face mask. The first opening 16 has a diameter “D1”. FIG. 5C shows a straw 100 a disposed in the first opening 16 a. The straw has a diameter “D2” that is slightly larger than the diameter D1 of the first opening 16 a. The straw 100 a is inserted into the first opening 16 a and the inner annular edge 18 of the first weakening seam 12 a contacts the outer surface of the straw so as to maintain the functionality of the face mask 10.

In operation, the user dons the face mask 10. The punch out portion 14 may be simply pulled off of the face mask 10, either before the face mask 10 is worn or when the face mask 10 is worn. In one aspect, the punch out portion 14 has a diameter of 9.4 mm and the straw has a diameter of diameter of 9.5 mm. As such, insertion of the straw into the opening 16 places the outer surface of the straw in contact with the inner annular edge 18 of the weakening seam 12. The user is thus able to drink from a straw while wearing the face mask 10.

In the instance, that the user uses a face mask 10 according to the second embodiment, the user may remove either the first or second punch out portion 14 based upon the size of the straw. For instance, in the event the straw has a diameter of 7 mm, the first punch out portion 14 may be formed to have a diameter of 6.9 mm, thus as the first punch out portion 14 is removed the opening 16 bound by the first weakening seam 12 a is 6.9 mm and thus is smaller than the straw. As such, insertion of the straw into the opening 16 places the outer surface of the straw in contact with the inner annular edge 18 of the first weakening seam 12 a. It should be appreciated that a benefit of the face mask 10 in accordance with the second embodiment provides the user with the ability to accommodate straws of different sizes. Alternatively, the face mask 10 may be formed to have two punch out portion 14 s on opposite sides of the face mask 10, as shown in FIG. 3.

In all aspects, the face mask 10 provides the user with an ability to drink from a straw without increasing manufacturing costs associated with an attachable fitment.

It should be further appreciated that the size of the punch out portion 14 s are described herein as being illustrative and that the punch out portion 14 may be formed to accommodate a specific diameter of a straw, or may have a cross-section that is irregular or non-circular.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A face mask for accommodating a straw having a first diameter, the face mask comprising: a body portion made of a first material; a weakening seam disposed on the body portion, the weakening seam configured to part from the body portion; and a punch out portion, the weakening seam including an inner annular edge bounding the punch out portion, wherein the punch out portion may be removed so as to leave an opening configured to fit the straw.
 2. The face mask as set forth in claim 1, wherein the punch out portion has a second diameter, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter of the straw.
 3. The face mask as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first material is a meltblown nonwoven polypropylene fabric.
 4. The face mask as set forth in claim 1, wherein the weakening seam has a thickness that is less than a thickness of the body portion.
 5. The face mask as set forth in claim 1, wherein the weakening seam is a pair of weakening seams and the punch out portion is a pair of punch out portions, each of the pair of punch out portions corresponding to one of the pair of weakening seams.
 6. The face mask as set forth in claim 5, wherein the pair of weakening seams are spaced apart from each other.
 7. The face mask as set forth in claim 6, wherein one of the pair of weakening seams is concentric to the other of the pair of weakening seams.
 8. The face mask as set forth in claim 1, wherein the weakening seam is generally C-shaped so as to form a neck portion, the neck portion contiguous with the punch out portion. 